Suez Environnement wins Indian water contracts

French-based utility company Suez Environnement has won two contracts worth €20m to improve the water distribution system, reduce unaccounted for water (UFW) and control leaks in Bangalore and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The contracts, awarded by the Bangalore Water & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, will help consumers access a better supply and improved water quality.

The company has entered into a joint venture with SPML Infra for the Bangalore project, which will cover a total area of 26.5km², with more than 400,000 consumers.

The eight-year project will be implemented in two phases; the first three years has been assigned for a network survey, rehabilitation and development work. The next five years will cover maintenance, leakage control and reducing the UFW level from the current 42% to 16%.

The contract in Pimpri-Chinchwad in the state of Maharashtra is to detect and repair leaks in area water distribution systems using helium gas technology.

Suez Environnement deputy chief executive officer in charge of international activities Marie Ange Debon said that the company aims to identify local partners familiar with the area.

"We provide them with innovative technologies, which enable them to implement a tailor-made approach to issues relating to water supply and sanitation encountered by users," she added.

"We are delighted to support BWSSB and PCMC as part of their initiative to improve the water distribution system in these cities, which will enable better use of the available water resources and improvements to the system’s performance."